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Beyond the wall: Erfurt

Thu 28 Aug 2014

The cathedral in Erfurt, capital of Thuringia. Photograph: Derek Scally/The Irish Times

A band called The Wishing Well perform on the street in Erfurt. Photograph: Derek Scally/The Irish Times

An alternative mode of transport in Erfurt. Photograph: Derek Scally/The Irish Times

The "Maus" - perhaps the most famous character on German TV - on the street in Erfurt. Photograph: Derek Scally/The Irish Times

A contrasting streetscrape of older architecture and modern infrastructure in Erfurt, capital of Thuringia. Photograph: Derek Scally/The Irish Times

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In Erfurt, a flower shop's pitch to customers: "Free!!! Bring us your empty balcony window boxes. We'll plant them according to your wishes and charge only for the plants and soil, no charge for the work." Photograph: Derek Scally/The Irish Times

The hotel Erfurter Hof in Erfurt. When West German chancellor Willy Brandt visited this eastern town in 1970 - the first-ever meeting between West and East German leaders - locals broke through a secret police cordon to storm the plaza, shouting "Willy Brandt to the window!" A sign on the roof recalls that memorable day. Photograph: Derek Scally/The Irish Times